We were thrilled to be on two Habitat build sites last week to announce a $32.4 million financial commitment to Habitat for Humanity Canada over three years (2019-2021) from the federal government to Habitat for Humanity Canada and local Habitat organizations across Canada as part of the National Housing Co-Investment Fund. This is an exciting time for Habitat for Humanity in Canada, as we gear up to serve even more families over the next three years in every province and territory.

As an organization that believes strongly in the transformational impact of affordable access to decent housing and homeownership, Minister Jean-Yves Duclos’ 2017 announcement of a national housing strategy was an important moment for us, and for future Habitat homeowners. Every Canadian deserves a decent and affordable place to live, which is why we also applaud the more recent legislation of housing as a basic human right. As the Minister responsible for the implementation of the National Housing Strategy, and responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with CMHC and Minister Duclos to change more lives through decent and affordable homeownership.

“Our Government is dedicated to helping those in need, which is why we are proud to be investing in Habitat for Humanity Canada. Through their efforts hundreds of families across Canada will realize the dream of homeownership. By investing in this project, we are one step closer to our government’s ambitious goal of creating 125,000 new housing units and lifting 530,000 families out of housing need as part of the National Housing Strategy.” - Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality

With this national funding commitment over three years, approximately 405 new homes will be built and approximately 105 units will be repaired and renewed, supporting lower-income families in communities in every province and territory across Canada. These homes will meet National
Housing Co-Investment Fund accessibility and energy efficiency targets and will serve a range of vulnerable populations including single mothers, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities and seniors.

“We are proud partners of this project and the many others that will be funded under this agreement. Because we believe everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed – and that safe and affordable housing is key to that success…We believe a home makes Canadians feel more secure and leads to a more prosperous future.” – Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Spadina-Fort York

“We are extremely grateful for this partnership with the Government of Canada and CMHC as this investment will create significant opportunities for Habitat to scale and grow our program in communities across Canada.” - Ed McMahon, Chair, Habitat Canada’s National Board of
Directors

The Habitat for Humanity model in Canada

The Habitat for Humanity model of affordable homeownership bridges a gap for people who face barriers to homeownership and would not otherwise qualify for a traditional mortgage. Local Habitat for Humanity organizations in every province and territory across Canada help build and rehabilitate decent and affordable homes, from single-family houses to multi-unit developments. With the help of volunteers and donors, Habitat helps families build their own homes and pay an affordable mortgage geared to their income. Safe, decent and affordable homeownership plays a critical role in helping families build a foundation for a life with better choices and more opportunities.

Habitat’s model of affordable homeownership has long-term benefits for the larger community, with every Habitat home generating $175,000 in social benefits, according to a study by the Boston Consulting Group. These benefits come in the form of reduced reliance on social housing and food banks, better educational and employment outcomes and improved health. In 2018, Habitat homes returned almost $42 million in societal benefits.

Every voice can advocate for affordable homeownership

We have been collaborating with communities, individual donors, corporations, municipalities, and volunteers to help homeowners build brighter, more stable futures since Habitat for Humanity first came to Canada in 1985.

“Collaboration with other funders will be key to our success, and we will continue to rely on the support of individual donors, corporations and the community. We know that the outcomes of our program are long-lasting and life-changing, and now, thanks to this investment from the Government of Canada and CMHC, we can help even more Canadians in need of affordable housing than ever before.” - Mark Rodgers, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada

While this funding will help us build more housing, we still have so many projects that need your donations and your time. We can't do it without your continued support. Our model has always been one that relies on strong partnerships and collaboration, and this funding relies on strengthening our current partnerships, developing new ones, and coming together to solve the affordability issue for Canadians.

Together, we can empower families to overcome the barriers to affordable homeownership and help them build healthier, more financially stable lives. We know that the outcomes of our program are long-lasting and life-changing – and it takes all of us to make that happen. To learn about ways to partner with us visit us here: Ways to Partner.

Press releases:

- Government of Canada Invests in Habitat for Humanity Canada to Support New and Repair Existing Affordable Housing, Peterborough, Ontario, August 13, 2019

- Government of Canada Invests in Habitat for Humanity Canada to Support New and Repair Existing Affordable Housing, Scarborough, Ontario, August 15, 2019

National news coverage:

- Global News: Federal government provides $32.4M to Habitat for Humanity Canada for affordable housing

For more information, contact:

Meghan Reddick
Vice President, Brand Strategy and Communications
mreddick@habitat.ca

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